4to. ff. [2] (blank), pp. [22], 338, [12], ff. [2] (blank). Signatures: *-3*⁴ A-2X⁴. Title page printed in black and red ink. Engraved vignette with caption "Nationum origo" on title page. Engraved initials, head- and tailpieces. Includes "Ad D. Ricardum Versteganum, V.C Antiquitatis. Anglicae Nationis et linguae vindicem, Iohannis Romboutii Epigramma", signed by anagram "Mora non vi obstes". Includes index (twelve pages at end). Printed annotations. In English, with some Latin. Marginalia. There are two copies of this edition in the collection. The present is in brown calf and is inscribed by “W. Deskam p. r. [?].” 

Second (first English) edition of this history of the Saxon invasions, the development of the English language, the formation of its surnames, and general early English lore, with credulous use of Annius, and also of Geoffrey of Monmouth. See G. Parry, The Trophies of Time. English Antiquarians of the Seventeenth Century. Oxford, 1995; W. A. Jackson, F. S. Ferguson, & K. F. Pantzer (eds.), Short-title Catalogue of Books Printed in England, Scotland, & Ireland, and of English Books Printed Abroad, 1475–1640. 3 vols. London, 1976–91 (2nd ed.), 21362.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews